THE FAMILY TABLE: Orange mint herb serves as a recipe ingredient and as aromatherapy

SAN ANGELO, Texas - With the weather getting warmer, I have been seeking my favorite types of plants: herbs.

I love herbs because they are useful in so many different ways. They not only add nice flavor and aroma to food and drink, but a nice splash of color, and often flowers, to the landscape. And then there is my secret indulgence. When I'm working out in the yard, I'll sometimes pause in my work to gently brush my fingers over some herbs and drink in the fragrance. Aromatherapy just outside my door. They are also lovely additions to bouquets and flower arrangements.

The local nurseries are carrying some interesting herbs this year. Besides the usual rosemary and oregano, I have also found chocolate mint, lemon balm, dill and more. My 2013 favorite though is the orange mint.

Orange mint has a beautiful citrusy scent that reminds me of peeling oranges with an undertone of lavender. It's light and sweet, perfect for spring.

Orange mint is a versatile ingredient. You can add them to salads, sandwiches or wraps, drinks, grains, meats, in sauces and dessert. It doesn't just add a refreshing note, but is also high in Vitamins A and C. While you can dry the leaves and store for later use, fresh is always best.

The leaves are rounder than some of the other mints, but the plant has the same branching and spreading tendencies. So consider yourself warned. I'm growing mine in a large pot to keep from taking over the garden.

Mint is easy to grow and does well in full sun or partial shade. While it will survive in drier soil, it does best in moist, damp areas. It grows about 12 to 24 inches in height and width. According to the nursery label, orange mints produce pink blooms in the summer. I haven't seen any yet, but I'm looking forward to them.

Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the leaves. Frequent harvesting of leaves keeps the plant healthy and growing, and makes your dishes extra aromatic and flavorful. So if you are a mint lover, go get yourself an orange mint and have fun in the kitchen!

Rashda Khan is a San Angelo-based food enthusiast, writer and culinary instructor. Contact her at rkhan@wcc.net or 325-656-2824. Follow her @SpiceBites on Twitter for more kitchen adventures, cooking tips and local food happenings. Her blog, Hot Curries & Cold Beer, is at http://hotcurriesandcoldbeer.blogspot.com.

Alcohol-free Mojitos or Minty Limeade

Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com

Ingredients

2 cups water

1 1/2 cups white sugar

2 cups mint leaves, chopped (I'm using orange mint)

2 cups lime sherbet, softened

1 cup lime juice

1 cup water

8 cups club soda

lime slices and sprigs of mint for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine 2 cups water and the sugar in a microwave-safe bowl; heat in microwave on High for 5 minutes.

2. Stir the mint into the water; let stand for 5 minutes. Strain and discard the mint leaves from the syrup; set aside.

3. Stir the lime sherbet, lime juice, and 1 cup water together in a large pitcher until well combined.

4. Pour the mint-infused syrup into the mixture.

5. Add club soda and stir. Serve over ice. Garnish with lime slices and mint sprigs.

Kebabs with yogurt sauce

Beef or turkey kebabs flavored with fragrant herbs and exotic spices are the perfect reason to fire up the grill.